Is It Them or Is It Me?

Molly is nervous about entering high school, especially since her childhood friend Kathy is going to a different school. The first few weeks are difficult. Molly discovers that competition for a position on the school newspaper staff is very stiff, so when she is asked to interview her contemptible history teacher, she reluctantly agrees. Making friends does not come easily to Molly, and, even worse, she feels that she and Kathy are drifting apart. As the days pass, Molly begins to work through these problems, but then she is confronted with a genuine crisis--her mother has cancer. Haven delicately explores Molly's life at home and at school with verve and wit, writing about family, friendship and romance from a fresh, upbeat perspective. Crisp, concise dialogue brings this entertaining story's characters to vivid life. Ages 10-14. (June)